Each year thousands of acres of Indiana land undergoes disturbance and/or is converted for the construction of subdivisions, commercial and industrial centers, highways, and other land uses. Agriculture and urban development are the two major types of land-disturbing activities in Indiana. Both are very important to the economic well being of the citizens of the state. Without proper planning and the wise selection of storm water management measures, these areas of soil disturbance are very vulnerable to accelerated erosion and sedimentation. Whenever vegetation is removed from the land’s surface, the soil becomes exposed to the erosive effects of wind and water. Although erosion is a natural process, it can be greatly accelerated by human action that disturbs the land’s surface. While it is true that the tons of soil eroded on agricultural lands is much greater, it has been proven that the amount of soil eroded on a per-acre basis can be many times greater on active construction sites. The loss of soil through erosion commonly results in the loss of good topsoil and the associated minerals and nutrients required for plant establishment and growth. Soil erosion not only causes on-site damage problems, but can also negatively impact water quality downstream through sediment pollution. It has been shown that sediment is the number one water quality pollutant by volume in Indiana. Sediment damage can take many forms. Sediment accumulation in wetlands can reduce their capacity to retain storm water and its value to wildlife. Sediment deposition in storm sewers can reduce their efficiency and capacity. Sediment, and accompanying nutrients, often reaches lakes and leads to algal blooms, a decrease in lake depth, and a decrease in the recreational and aesthetic value of the lake. In addition to erosion and sediment damage, the building of residential subdivisions, shopping centers, industrial parks, schools, recreational attractions, etc. can have a significant effect on the patterns and amounts of storm water runoff during and after construction takes place. This often leads to water quality degradation and more frequent flooding events. The final land use associated with many projects will also contribute to the discharge of pollutants. These pollutants will typically be generated by the activities that are associated with the final land use. It is important to practice effective storm water management and treatment of storm water runoff before, during, and after construction. Otherwise, the landowner and/or public may end up paying more for project reconstruction and replacement/maintenance of existing infrastructure. Furthermore, public environmental awareness demands that land users work with nature, and not against it, to protect Indiana’s land and water resources. There are many ways to minimize the impacts of urbanization and protect the integrity of Indiana’s natural resources. One method is through careful planning and inclusion of proven storm water management measures in a project's construction and development plans. Careful planning can prevent or at the very least alleviate much of the damage caused by erosion and sedimentation and the pollutants that will be associated with the final land use. However, careful planning and incorporation of appropriate storm water quality measures into a project’s construction plans is not enough. These measures must be deployed and maintained on the site throughout all construction phases.

Chamness Surveying will design specific storm water quality and measures for controlling soil erosion; controlling and treating the nonpoint source pollution associated with sediment-laden runoff; and the management and treatment of pollutants associated with post-construction land uses. Adhering to these guidelines and properly applying appropriate storm water quality measures will help you minimize the adverse impacts that land disturbance, construction activity, and development can have on soil and water resources on your site, and ultimately, the cost of those impacts to society as a whole. Let us help you by developing an effective storm water pollution prevention plan and appropriate erosion control plan for your project.
(Source: IDEM Stormwater Manual)